Medical Expert Witnesses On Autism

A U.S. court has ruled that a vaccination for certain childhood diseases is not linked to autism, as claimed by parents of children who suffer from the brain disorder. The ruling Thursday is a blow to at least 4,800 families who have filed similar claims and are seeking compensation through the government’s “Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.” VOA.com also reports:

The special court in Washington ruled Thursday against the parents of three children, saying the families had failed to prove their claims. In his decision, the special master, George L. Hastings Jr., ruled that the government’s medical expert witnesses were “far better qualified, far more experienced and far more persuasive” than the Cedillos’. Although the family had to show only that the preponderance of evidence was on their side, Mr. Hastings ruled that the evidence was “overwhelmingly contrary” to their argument.